Stress fractures of the distal tibia and calcaneus subsequent to acute fractures of the tibia and fibula

Stress fractures (two in the calcaneus and four in the distal tibia) occurring distal to the site of a healing fracture of the tibia or fibula were discovered in five patients. Three of these fractures were identified radiographically at the time of their occurrence, and three were identified only after retrospective review of the radiographs of 74 patients with previous tibial or fibular fractures. Three of the patients were less than 10 years old. All five patients had disuse osteopenia and recently had begun weight-bearing. Four patients had healing of their acute fractures with angulation or displacement. Stress fractures can easily be overlooked on radiographic studies in this setting and may be a source of pain that mistakenly can be attributed to malunion or nonunion. Stress fractures should be considered in patients with fractures of the lower extremity, particularly those who experience new or persistent pain or discomfort.
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